"Conrade is not eight years old yet," said his mother in an imploring
tone, "and the Major said I need not part with him till he has grown
a little more used to English ways."

"He can read, I see," said Grace, "and he told me he had done some
Latin with the Major."

"Yes, he has picked up a vast deal of information, and on the voyage
the Major used to teach him out of a little pocket Virgil. The Major
said it would not be of much use at school, as there was no
dictionary; but that the discipline and occupation would be useful,
and so they were. Conrade, will do anything for the Major, and
indeed so will they all."

Three Majors in one speech, thought Rachel; and by way of
counteraction she enunciated, "I could undertake the next pair of
boys easily, but these two are evidently wanting school discipline."

Lady Temple feathered up like a mother dove over her nest.

"You do not know Conrade. He is so trustworthy and affectionate,
dear boy, and they are both always good with me. The Major said it
often hurts boys to send them too young."

"They are very young, poor little fellows," said Mrs. Curtis.

"And if they are forward in some things they are backward in others,"
said Fanny. "What Major Keith recommended was a governess, who would
know what is generally expected of little boys."